326 malaria cases and counting in Mumbai

There has been a considerable rise in monsoon-related diseases like malaria in city hospitals over the past week.

BMC hospitals have recorded 258 gastro-related cases in the past six days. While 326 malaria cases have been recorded, plain fever cases have gone up to 985 after the onset of the monsoon.

No leptospirosis case has been recorded in BMC hospitals so far.

“I have had at least 15 cases of malaria and dengue in the past three days. However, there has been a sudden rise after the onset of the monsoon,” said Dr Hemant Thacker, a senior consultant with Jaslok Hospital.

Dr Pratit Samdhani, who practices in three South Mumbai hospitals, said: “I have got a case of malaria with kidney failure. Two of my patients suffering from dengue and leptospirosis have also been admitted. I have at least 8-10 cases of malaria now.”

“Our patient flow has been more since the last week. We have a few more fever cases as opposed to earlier,” said Dr Nivedita Moulik, head of department of medicine, Sion Hospital. He cautioned that people should refrain from eating out, particularly uncooked food and golas. Vegetables should be cleaned properly before cooking.

Besides this, people should take care that there are no breeding sites around their surroundings. “In case, you live in high risk areas, you should use mosquito nets and repellents,” said Dr Samdhani.